2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 33 Southwest Derby Showdown: Remo Stars, Shooting Stars battle for pride, crucial points

Posted : 04 April 2026

All eyes will be on Ikenne this Sunday as Remo Stars and Shooting Stars SC lock horns in a high-stakes Southwest derby in the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 33 fixture.

With the season entering its decisive phase, both sides approach this encounter with contrasting ambitions. Remo Stars, currently languishing in 17th position with 37 points, are fighting to steer clear of relegation, while Shooting Stars, sitting comfortably in 5th place with 50 points, are pushing to secure a strong finish and possibly continental qualification.

Despite their lowly position on the table, Remo Stars head into this clash with a measure of confidence, particularly from their impressive home form.

The Sky Blue Stars have turned their ground into a fortress this season, recording 10 wins, 3 draws, and just 3 defeats in front of their fans. That resilience will be crucial as they look to upset their more fancied rivals.

Their recent form offers a mixed picture, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five outings.

A hard-fought 1-1 draw against El-Kanemi Warriors last time out highlighted both their fighting spirit and lingering inconsistency—an issue that has plagued their campaign.

Shooting Stars, on the other hand, arrive in Ikenne buoyed by a convincing 3-1 victory over Enugu Rangers.

The Oluyole Warriors have won three of their last five matches, underlining their steady push up the table.

Their balanced approach—combining disciplined defending with purposeful attacking play—has been key to their success this season.

However, their Achilles heel remains their poor away form. With just two wins in 16 matches on the road and a troubling run of seven consecutive away defeats, Shooting Stars will need to overcome their travel woes to get a result.

Head coach Nurudeen Aweroro has acknowledged this concern but remains optimistic about a turnaround.

“We will keep working hard to improve our defensive organization and away performances. I believe the results will come,” he stated ahead of the clash.

Tactically, the game presents an interesting contrast. Remo Stars are expected to rely on a compact defensive setup and quick counter-attacks, especially given their success at home. Shooting Stars, meanwhile, will likely emphasize possession-based play and utilize width to break down their opponents.

Given their superior league position and recent momentum, Shooting Stars may head into the tie as slight favorites.

However, derby fixtures often defy form guides, and with Remo Stars’ strong home record, this encounter promises to be fiercely contested.

As the NPFL season edges closer to its climax, the stakes could hardly be higher—making this Southwest derby a must-watch showdown.

This encounter represents more than just geographical proximity; it is a battle for survival against a quest for glory. Whether the Sky Blue Stars can defend their fortress or the Oluyole Warriors can finally break their away hoodoo remains to be seen. Fans can expect a thrilling contest where every tackle and goal carries immense weight for the final league standings.

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 33 Southwest Derby Showdown: Remo Stars, Shooting Stars battle for pride, crucial points

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